1969 red 280SL

[TheEngineer]

original signal red but repainted with clearcoat except the soft top lid and the air intake cowl have not been repainted. Car runs well, not smoking and presents like new from 5 feet away. Story goes it was a California car and MB classic confirmed in writing that it was sold by their CA dealer. But it ended up in Seattle. No rust that I have observed. 36,191 miles indicated. Good soft top and good hard top with chrome strips, tinted glass, hoist and dolly. 09 cam, standard cam comes with all the spares . Have all the books, special tools and stuff. also another engine but from a sedan and a gearbox. I have had the car many years. My wife died, my GF died, the dogs died and an eagle got the cat. Time to sell the car. Kelly Blue Book says avg retail $86,900, high retail $201,630  asking $180,000 but open to offers

[ja17]

Good luck with the sale! I have fond memories of my visit with you and others of the group in Seattle back then. I know you hate to see it go. Also I am hoping your future is brighter!

[TheEngineer]

Thank you Joe for your kind words. I am 89 years old now and I'm tired. I have too much stuff. I do remember your visit and our get together and it was very nice. Good memories!

[DaveB]

That's a very difficult series of events.
Hope you can get out on the water or somewhere you enjoy.

[teahead]

You may want to get your car consigned  (Park Place?) if you want top dollar.


They can provide tons of pictures and bother with the tire kickers.

[Micheal1demetros]

Hi I’m Mike I was wondering what else you do you have that you wanna sell I’m a surplus buyer please let me know thanks Mike. 917-558-0341. Anytime

[mdsalemi]

Pete Lange ("The Engineer") is a great guy and he has a great car. I had a couple of visits with Pete when my travels would take me to Seattle once or twice a year. Alas, my mother in law passed away, and our travels there were cut back. The last couple of times we were in Seattle were for events in which nearly every moment was scripted, not allowing the freedom I used to have...

Anyway on one of my trips there, Pete took a great photo of me and his car, and I featured that in my book "Pagoda Style", at the end on the acknowledgments page. Here it is. I have no doubt, knowing Pete, that the car is in as good a shape now as it was then. He was meticulous and fastidious: two compliments of his character and nature. You'll note that my car, and Pete's, were built the same week.

[BOTIGER1970]

Michael,
I see you live in Davidson.  I live up the road (I-77) in Troutman.  I would like to talk with you some time and possibly see your 280SL.  I have a 1970 280SL in very very rough shape, that I am working on and would love to look at a completed 280SL.  Please let me know if you have some time to meet.  My cell number is 704.491.5528.  I have worked on cars for 30 years, but am still fairly new to the Mercedes cars.
Sincerely,
Mark Spencer

[TheEngineer]

You may want to get your car consigned  (Park Place?) if you want top dollar.


They can provide tons of pictures and bother with the tire kickers.

Yes, Teahead you are absolutely right! Someone directed me to Park Place several years ago and they talk a wonderful story. I asked them how much they would give me for the car and they replied $20,000 (TwentyK). That would have been an outright sale, I guess or maybe just talk. They do get a lot of traffic and I looked at some cars they had on the floor. Nice cars. They had a 280 SL and wanted $80,000 for it. The salesman had other things to do: they have a lounge and he watched TV while I examined the car. For one thing, the VIN number was obliterated and there were other things that one would not cherish. If you let them have your car for consignment you have no recourse if someone, like, breaks the turn signal switch. It happens because newer turn signal switches can be rotated and people just try that. And the complete set of tools would get lost together with the trouble light. I may be unduly apprehensive but I'd like the buyer to examine the car while I am there.